Clinics

Clinics are held at the New Victoria Hospital in Glasgow. The clinics are primarily for patients with OBPI (Erb's Palsy) who have reached 16 years of age and are too old to attend the children's hospital.

We provide ongoing care for these patients as they move from the children’s service at the Royal Hospital for Children and progress into the full adult service at the New Victoria Hospital.

Who will I meet at the clinic?

The clinic team is:

• Two Orthopaedic Consultants and a Plastic Surgery Consultant.
• A Clinical Nurse Specialist.
• A Specialist Physiotherapist.
• An Occupational Therapist.

Do young adults have a say in what happens at clinic?

Many teenagers think that having to go to a hospital appointment is bad enough without worrying about how to talk to us and what we’re going to do to you!

Please do not think that we will only talk to your parents or carers. We will always involve you in conversations about your care and treatment and will listen to what you have to say.

Sometimes it is hard to give your point of view and get across what you really want to say. We are really keen to help you get the most from your appointment and will always try to answer your questions and help you understand what we are talking about.

Here are some ideas on how to prepare for your appointment and make it easier for you to join in:

• When you are at home think about what you would like to tell us at the clinic and also what you might want to ask us.
• Make a note of what you want to say and who you want to talk to. Remember there is more than one person in the team you can talk to.
• When you meet us say hello and remind us that you are the main person at the appointment (not just your parents or carers).
• Bring a list of things to say and any questions you may have prepared.
• Take your time and think about what you want to tell us and what questions you want us to answer. If there is anything you don’t understand then please ask us to explain a bit more.
• If you want to see anyone on our team on your own then just ask us - we may also prefer to see you alone and will ask your parents or carers to leave.
• After your appointment, if you are worried about anything, or there is something you didn’t understand then you can contact the Nurse Specialist by phone, text or email and they will be happy to talk through things with you in confidence.

We’re here to help you! And you can help us also, by doing the things listed above so we can all work together to give you the best clinic experience.

Help is at hand

We can help you look at difficulties and problems that you may be currently experiencing. You can be helped in taking control of your life, to make sense of your thoughts and feelings so that you can then make decisions about how to change things in your life. Sharing thoughts and feelings will help you feel less isolated, and will enable you to understand more clearly what is happening to you.

The counsellor will not tell you what to do or judge you, but always try to understand things from your point of view, and support you to find your own answers. All sessions are confidential but the counsellor will talk with you about this at your first session.

What kind of problems do people talk about?

Young adults come with a broad range of issues e.g.:

• bullying
• anger
• depression
• exam anxiety
• family problems
• past traumas
• body image
• self esteem & lack of confidence
• self-harm
• issues concerning relationships
• sexuality

Whatever the problem is, or seems to be, you will be made very welcome.

What is involved?

The confidential consultation will take place in private with just the counsellor and you together. Usually, you can expect to see the counsellor for an hour or so at a regular time every couple of weeks. You may have a weekly session for a set period of time (often 6 or 8 weeks) or you might have sessions for as long as the counsellor and you agree that you need them.

For further advice or information, to have an informal chat, or to make an initial appointment, please contact the Nurse Specialist by phone, text or email and they will be happy to talk through things with you in confidence.

Patient Held Record

If you have been given one of these packs then you should bring it to every appointment and make sure that we write some brief notes into it at your appointment consultation.

What will happen at the clinic?

You will meet different members of the team including consultants Mr Hems, Professor Hart and Mr Little, the clinical nurse specialist, the physiotherapist and the occupational therapist. As the New Victoria Hospital is a training hospital there may also be other clinicians or students at your clinic appointment.

The clinic runs all afternoon and you may be there for some time (between 1 to 2 hours). You will usually have an examination of your upper limb involving movement and measurements. As you will need to remove your upper clothing we suggest you wear a sleeveless top or T-shirt underneath.

You may also be asked to fill in some assessment forms which deal with different issues e.g. everyday activities, any pain or anxieties, work, hobbies etc.

Family members are welcome to accompany you in the clinic room if you wish.

You will have the opportunity to arrange follow up visits with the clinical nurse specialist to privately discuss any other issues or concerns you have

What if I have questions to ask?

We encourage questions from all patients and families and will do our best to provide clear and honest answers. If you forget to ask something at the clinic then contact the appropriate team member by phone or e-mail and we will try to help.

Lots more information is available on this website and we encourage your views and input to this site. Stories and pictures are welcome!

What happens after the clinic?

A letter will be sent to your referring doctor and your GP giving the details of your appointment, examination and plans for ongoing care. If you require physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling or any other care this will be arranged by the appropriate member of the clinical team.

Questions, Suggestions and Complaints

If you have any queries, suggestions or problems in relation to the service you can contact the service administrator by email at ggc.brachial.plexus@nhs.scot or by telephone on 0141 347 8916.

or by post:

Brachial Plexus Injury Service
REH030
New Victoria Hospital
Grange Road
GLASGOW
G42 9LF

NHS Complaints Department (Greater Glasgow & Clyde)

You can also contact the Complaints Department at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde by email at complaints@ggc.scot.nhs.uk, or by telephone on 0141 201 4500. Or visit their website at http://www.nhsggc.org.uk/get-in-touch-get-involved/complaints .